Michael Jennings of the Panthers runs the ball during the round 23 NRL match between the Penrith Panters and the Canberra Raiders at Centrebet Stadium on August 12, 2012 in Sydney, Australia.Matt Blyth / Getty Images

Penrith releases Jennings to play with Sydney Roosters

THE Sydney Roosters have won the battle for the services of Penrith centre Michael Jennings, signing the 24-year-old to a four-year deal on Tuesday.

The Australian and NSW representative has been granted a release from his contract with the Panthers, helping ease salary cap pressures on the club.

Jennings, who made his first grade debut in 2007 and has played 122 NRL games, said he was keen to start training alongside his new teammates.

"The Roosters have a talented roster and I'm excited to have joined the team," he said.

"I've met with (coach) Trent Robinson and I'm looking forward to getting to know my new teammates, getting stuck into training, working hard and playing alongside guys like Mitchell Pearce who I have already played with at Origin level."

Jennings was also being chased by the Gold Coast Titans.

He will fill a big gap in the Roosters backline left by the release of BJ Leilua for disciplinary reasons, and the loss of highly-promising Tautau Moga to a serious knee ligament injury.